Earlier Medicare Access for First Responders Starting at Age 57.
This bill allows firefighters, police officers, and other emergency personnel (first responders) to enroll in the federal Medicare health insurance program starting at age 57, eight years earlier than the standard age of 65. Eligibility requires at least 10 years of service in qualifying occupations. This change provides earlier access to comprehensive health benefits, including hospital, medical, and prescription drug coverage, though participants must pay monthly premiums.
Key points
Early Health Coverage: First responders can access full Medicare benefits (Parts A, B, and D) starting at age 57.
Service Requirement: Eligibility requires a minimum of 10 years of service in specific first responder occupations (e.g., police, fire, EMS).
Costs Involved: Participants must pay monthly premiums, covering standard Part B costs and potentially Part A costs if they do not qualify for premium-free Part A.
Medigap Access: New rules ensure access to supplemental Medigap policies immediately following enrollment in early Medicare.
Introduced
Citizen Poll